My Jealous Stepbrother
A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND

I tried to keep up the appearance of normalcy in front of my father, though in reality I wanted to know more about the promise he and Ryan had made. For some reason, I fully trusted what Ryan had told me. It sounded like something my

father would definitely do. Sometimes his overprotectiveness was a bit suffocating. Actually, it was always like that.

"I was worried about all of you and the fire. I'm glad to hear you are safe and things are getting better. I'm here with Ryan and all is quiet on our end. Don't worry, we're fine and I'm feeling much better already." My heart was beating fast, aware of the lie I was holding.

"It's good to know you're all safe," I continued, trying to divert attention to my father and his well-being, I felt bad for forgetting about them being in such a dangerous situation. "Please take care of yourself and keep everyone safe as well." My father's voice sounded relieved on the other end of the line. "Thank you, sweetheart. Your support means a lot to me, I just wanted to know how you were doing and how everything was over there too. Take good care of yourself and make sure you stay safe. See you soon, love you."

"I love you too, Dad," I replied truthfully, feeling a lump in my throat for keeping the truth from him.

I watched Ryan as he listened intently to my father's words.

As the phone call came to an end, our hands intertwined, and at that precise moment, in the midst of that charged silence, a fleeting glimmer of complicity shone in Ryan's eyes. It was a flash so quick and subtle that I could barely catch it, but enough to know that there was something beyond our unspoken words. I wasn't sure exactly what would happen from now on but I didn't want to keep repressing how I felt. Is it wrong to want to be with the person who makes your heart beat so fast?

I didn't really have to hold back if it was just the two of us, right? I'd let myself go a little.

"Hey... Do you want to watch a movie with me and eat some ice cream?"

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Does it count as a date if we do it at home?""

"Well, I accept only if I get to choose what we'll see."

Ryan was still somewhat upset about Zack, but we didn't bring it up again. Although after that moment, Ryan was incredibly attentive and kind. Also, the weather improved and it stopped raining.

I really was feeling much better, even though I hadn't taken my medication as instructed.

But that meant only one thing: it was time to go back to school.

***

The day of my return to school finally arrived and I found myself walking through the familiar hallways. Everything seemed the same as before, as if I had never left. Familiar faces, laughter and conversations filled the air, and a sense of familiarity and warmth enveloped me.

I decided to text Zack to see how he was doing after the blow Ryan had given him; I hoped he hadn't left a bruise. I knew I could consider myself a bad friend for not contacting him sooner. I hadn't forgotten the small detail that, according to Emily, he was in love with me.

It was strange, though I called him on the phone and the only thing he wanted to talk to me about was the stalker. It seemed he had suspicions about who could be behind that unknown number but he didn't want to tell me until he was sure; he only suggested that it could be someone who considered me an enemy. An enemy? Me? It's not that I considered myself the coolest in the school, but I didn't stand out enough to attract bad looks.

Zack didn't mention anything about the fight. He kept talking as if nothing had happened, as if it was just another normal day and that completely threw me off. Hey, hello? Had the punch erased his memory or something?

I tried not to make a big deal out of it and focused my attention on meeting up with my friends and catching up on everything that had happened during my absence. In the distance I saw short, artificial red hair moving unnaturally in the air, it could only belong to one person. Lily.

She passed by me but not before giving me a look as if she wanted to stab me with her eyes. Shouldn't it be me who was angry with her? Why did she look at me like that?

I continued walking as if nothing until I met Emily, she separated from the group she was chatting with to approach me quickly. The others kept looking at me before leaving. Why did they all seem to want to tell me something with their eyes? And why were they laughing?

"Hey Sami...you're back." Emily had a smile that was clearly fake on her face; even if I didn't know her, anyone could tell it was forced.

"Yeah, I'm here. Is something wrong? Why are they-"

"It's nothing! Just... laughing at a silly joke, nothing important." It was clear she was lying to me.

"Emily, tell me what's going on," I sighed as if I had been holding my breath the whole time.

"I was hoping I could clear up those rumors before you came back."

"Rumors?"

"You should have called me last night!" she whispered. "I could have prepared you."

Not again... Couldn't I have some peace of mind?